nykeiko plays: Cooper Hewitt museum NYC -August 2016

A hot Saturday with a chance of rain brought us to the Cooper Hewitt museum on the Upper East Side. Ok, more like Dave found out Bank of America card holders can get free access and so we decided to go. 

This is my first time at Cooper Hewitt and I quite enjoyed it. I kind of liked the smallness of the museum since larger museums (like the Met) become overwhelming and gets tiring after a bit. This museum is set in an old ha-uge mansion so it's big but not quite big.The day we visited, they were offering all visitors this digital pen with which you can digitally collect and record all the art you see during your visit. Every art piece has a label where you can align with you pen to save the piece. You are given a code which is linked with your pen so that after the visit, you can click here, type in your code and see all the objects/art you saved. I think it's kind of great to be able to save your visit this way. Sometimes I don't have the patience to read the art description on the spot or remember what I am reading anyway but with this, I can go home and take another look at all the stuff I saw that day. Like, oh, what was the name of that piece I liked again? Bam! I can find out right away (well, only if I remembered to save it).  You can also see some stats from that day if you like that type of stuff are. For example, the number of people who saved the same piece, your visit duration, what time you saw that piece, etc. You were also able to use the pen to play with these oversized interactive touchscreens where you can see what you collected on your pen or use it to design your own chair, hat, vase etc. People seemed to be into it. 

Anyhoo, here are some memorable pieces I liked: 

nykeiko eats, plays, shops....May was cray!

Well hello there! May has come and gone and I cannot believe that it is already June! It has been a while since I've posted something properly. My last few posts were about shopping so you must think that all I do is shop, shop, shop, but tis not (fully) true! I have been pretty occupied and simply have not found the time to sit down and write. I must admit though, when I do have time on the weekend, I choose to nap. Work has been draining for me lately.

 Here are some snapshots from May which some of them may have already appeared on my Instagram!

We welcomed May with another beautiful hike. This time we were at Harriman State Park. 

nykeiko plays: Boozing and painting [Painting Lounge-Manhattan]

Rene Magritte "The Son of Man" a la Totoro

A couple of friends (two couples), me and Dave attended a painting class at the Painting Lounge in Manhattan last summer. We had such a good time, we went ahead and bought another coupon but the motivation has since dissipated and we have until end of March to book a class. Anyway, I never showed you guys what we drew.

In pictures: The American Fine Art Craft Show at the Brooklyn Museum +Killer Heels exhibition [NYC]

Vase by Leonoff Art Glass of NY

Dave and I ventured back into Brooklyn this weekend as we were invited to the American Fine Craft Show at the Brooklyn Museum. The word 'fine' intimidated me since we're not fancy people who like fancy art pieces (i.e. expensive) in the house but the word craft is what got my attention. I was looking forward to seeing the craft but especially about meeting the talented artists and designers at the show. Almost all the artists were on hand and it was a pleasure chatting with a few that were present. Of course I couldn't meet them all nor love all of their creations (some of the clothes were just too wacky for me and some of the jewelry were not fit for my age no matter how much I tried) but for the pieces that I did love, I took pictures to share on the blog.

Still shaking my booty.....[VIP Vixen Workout "the concert" NYC]

Josie, Janet, Julie and Melissa of the Vixen Workout

It was me and Dave's one year wedding anniversary this past Saturday and what did I do? I ditched my husband to go dancing in a nightclub (Highline Ballroom) midday with a bunch of vixens for the first ever Vixen Workout "The concert" event in New York city #VixenArmy. I was looking forward to the event the moment I RSVP'ed for free.

The Vixen Workout- Twerking off some pounds with your lipstick on!

Photo courtesy of Vixen Workout

Are you deeply allergic to the gym like I am? Do you yawn while lifting dumbbells? I have never been able to commit myself to a gym for longer than a year and that was only because I was locked in with a contract with New York Sports Clubs. If it wasn't for that and access to a swimming pool, I would have quit a lot sooner. I simply hate the gym but love being active. I used to be part of two dance troupes back in the days and that was my sole source of physical activity. It kept me in shape and I never once dreaded going to class. That's what I've been seeking here in New York. You would think that with the immense dance culture in New York, I would have joined a dance class already, but truth be told, most classes are way too pricy for me. $20-40 per class seems like the going rate and that's way too much especially if I want to do it often. So, I haven't committed to anything thus far. Well, there was this pole dancing class I was ready to twirl into but they decided to move, close down and take my money with them. That's another story. But I knew then that finding the right teacher and class dynamic was important for me to commit.

When the opportunity came up to try The Vixen Workout with Racked Fit Club, I was intrigued. It was the first time I have heard of this dance fitness class and when I looked it up, I discovered that there is already a huge following of #VixenArmy girls. The craze which started in Miami has now reached New York. This female-only fitness class lets women from all backgrounds-mother, student, wife, CEO- let loose and dance their asses off for 60 minutes to high intensity dance music. I was psyched to try it out for myself.

I must admit that the first ten minute was difficult and a shot of whiskey could have helped loosen me up. But when the instructor reminded us that we're all there for the same reasons-working out and having fun- and that no one is there to judge, I just let it go (cue Frozen song). It also helped that the other women including a pregnant lady, were really into it.

Half way through the class, I was drenched in sweat but couldn't stop smiling. I loved every second of it. I was shaking my gluts like they have never been shaken before. When Beyoncé's songs came on and we got to really dance to the music, I was on a high. I missed dancing so much. It wasn't until after class that I learned that most of the people’s favorite part of The Vixen Workout was feeling like one of Beyoncé's back-up dancers. That was the best part for me too. Sure I didn't quite get the moves right or flip my hair the sexy way I wanted to-most of it stuck to my sweaty face- but I'm going back because it was fun and that's all that matters! Oh and burning between 500 (for beginners) up 1000 calories if you get all the moves down, isn't too shabby.

I recommend you give it a try especially if you have caught yourself saying that you go to nightclubs to dance as a form of calorie-burning “exercise”. Oh and letting your hair down, dabbing your fave red lipstick and wedge sneakers while working out is highly recommended.

After twerkout selfie with the Racked team- The semi-Hunger pose!

I'm a fan. Sweat fest guaranteed.

Great class! Pic courtesy of @Desi_Couth from Vixen Workout.

Fashion in Conversation: Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler

Apple's Fashion in Conversation series with Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez

Last Friday, I attended one of Apple's Fashion in Conversation series in Soho featuring Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. I have heard before that these two designers are genuinely nice people but it was good to see their down-to-earthness for myself. During the interview, Lady Kinvara Balfour did a good job engaging conversation and asked the questions I was also curious about. The creative process and how the two designers' ideas come together were most interesting to me. All these sessions are recorded and will be available on itunes for you to enjoy! I hope my question during the Q&A session didn't make it because I didn't really ask an interesting question. I just wanted to say something! haha.

NYCB art series presenting French artist JR "Inside Out" -Feb 2-9

JR "Inside Out" Project collab with NYCB

"Exhibiting freely in the streets of the world, JR catches the attention of people who are not typical museum visitors. His largest project to date, INSIDE OUT, was born in 2011 when JR won the TED prize and called for the creation of a global art project with the potential to change the world. Transforming messages of personal identity into public works of art, more than 172,000 people have taken part in nearly 8,600 locations around the world."
via NYCB

Posing with the dancers

NYCB Art series featuring JR

Child at heart

I attended the ballet this weekend with a girl friend which we were both looking forward to for weeks. Both of us left our husband at home while we enjoyed an afternoon of ballet and good food. We scored some orchestra seats for $29 (but moved to the $135 seats right beside us) and it was the best purchase ever! We watched 3 of George Balanchine's pieces including 'Concerto Barocco', 'Kammermusik 2' and both our favorite, 'Who Cares?' with music by George Gershwin. What a treat! After the show, we went up to the first ring to check out french artist JR's project "Inside Out" featuring the 80 members of the NYCB. It was fun to see people interacting with the images on the floor. I was reluctant to jump in at first until my friend started lying on the floor and posing while I took some pictures.

Our treat didn't stop there when we went over to k-town to grab some korean dumplings at Mandoo Bar and coffee with fresh Korean fried doughnuts (Ho-dduks) with a side of vanilla ice cream at Grace Street.

Ho-dduks at Grace Street NY 

Oh, if all Saturdays could be this yummy...

x

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Daily show!

Daily Show January 27 taping

Yes! We attended another taping of the Daily Show on Monday with guest star Jeff Garlin. It was loads of fun like the first time! Except this time, we were there with some friends who are also fans of the show which makes it even better!

We got in line at around 1:40 p.m., got our tickets at 2:40 p.m., went to Totto Ramen (no wait time!), got a delicious cup of almond milk chai from Kahve and then back to the Daily Show building to join our friends who picked up the tickets we put on hold for them. Taking a day off to enjoy New York makes me happy. Returning to a four-day work week also makes me very happy!

I'm going to be so busy this week with work, green card application and all types of paperwork implicated in adulthood. Meh...

They give us some time to take pictures of the studio and when they do, the camera phones come out...

We didn't get to try the new Totto Ramen location (just a block away from the original location) since they were closed on Monday afternoons. By the way, I had not been to Totto Ramen in a while since the last times I had been there, the broth had been extremely salty and not enjoyable. Today's broth was less salty and perfect on a chilly day except I think I lost my love for Totto as I have developed a palette for lighter and cleaner ramen broth. I still like their dons very much though.

Totto Ramen Paitan ramen

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We heart Grand Central Station [keiko wears]

Photoshoot in Grand Central Station NYC

On me: Uniqlo top/The Row skirt (purchased at this sale)/Tibi sandals (purchased at this sale)

On him: Proper cloth custom fit shirt/Freeman's Sporting Club jeans (purchased at this sale)/Cole Haan shoes

Our after-wedding photoshoot took place in mid-October last year (yikes! still getting used to 2014) about 3 months after our wedding sooo I guess I would prefer simply calling it a couple's photoshoot. It was a lovely photoshoot in one of New York's most iconic buildings, both of us 30, living in New York and just married! It should be one of the best times of our lives to capture and remember forever! Who knows where we will be in 25? 50 years?

We initially had a bit of jitters about being photographed but they quickly disappeared when Bernie and Molina completely took control of the shoot and told us exactly what to do for every single pose. Not sure what angles work best for me unlike some people who knows their best and most flattering angles, I completely entrusted them to make us look our best. Sure, it is still weird looking at pictures of myself but when I see the big picture and where we were, these pictures have definitely become one of my fave photos!

Karma

Our friend helped us get $10 tickets to see the Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers at Barclay's center this past Monday. While in line to get into the stadium, a lady behind us handed us some suite tickets! Of course we were excited but we were going to meet up with 4 other folks and didn't want to leave them. We went to take a peek anyway during the second quarter to see if there was any free food (there wasn't).

This is our $10 view with our friends...

This is the suite view for...free!

Even with the better view, we went back to hang with our friends on the upper levels because it's just way more fun with friends!

And the Nets won 130 to 94! We missed about 50 points whilst looking for food.

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nykeiko play: Here's what I have been up to....

I have been MIA and I am back with some updates! Here's what we have been up to...

+ We went to our first holiday market hosted by Renegade Craft fair at One Hanson Place in Brooklyn. I absolutely love this building and we love holiday markets/fairs although we rarely end up buying anything! Meeting artists and designers and seeing some really unique gifts is pretty refreshing although some things can be repetitive, there's always a standout. I did have my eye on a baby alpaca blanket but Dave told me dishing out $200 is not fiscally responsible. Maybe he should attend all the samples sales with me so I can be more fiscally responsible.

One Hanson Place

+Holiday parties are upon us and it started with a farewell party for a colleague which was held at my boss' luxurious condo on the Upper West side facing Central Park. We love that apartment and would do anything to go back. It helps he is neighbors with Phil Collins. Some of us were looking for excuses to meet him such as the good ol' "ran out of sugar" trick.  We behaved and didn't embarass our noss.

+Before Thanksgiving, Dave and I were struck with a virus of some sort. So did 5 of my coworkers who all went to the same party. There was fever, headaches, chills, nausea and some vomiting. Not a pretty picture. I was throwing up on my way home, into a bag, during rush hour. I did get off the train to do that so I don't freak people out. Highly not recommended. It took us two days to recover and we came back strong and healthy just in time for a Thanksgiving feast at Dave's grandma's in Jersey. I am not sure if I was recovered 100% because I passed on the turkey on turkey day! hmmm.

+On Thanksgiving, we found out wild turkeys can fly.

+We both went back to work on Friday and were so, so busy even though we thought it would be a dead day since everyone was out of town. And that's right, I did not go shopping on Black Friday. Sure, I purchased a body lotion and eyeliner from Sephora at work to take advantage of a 8% cashback from ebates but I didn't physically go to any stores at all! I applauded myself while Dave gave me a sarcastic gold medal for my effort. Update: I returned and repurchased the items using a $20 VIB gift card I received days later. yay!

+During the weekend, I accompanied Dave to do some shopping. Dave? Shopping? Incredible! But alas, it was not for himself but for the less fortunate kids in New York city who wrote to Santa with a wish list. Santa Dave! He purchased a scooter and helmet for a 10 year old boy and necklaces from Forever 21 for a 12 year old girl! I made a necklace for the girl using real gold plated stuff. I hope no one steals it from her at school :S

+For the past two weekends, we have been drinking. I am trying to build up my tolerance to alcohol because it is just so pitiful how fast I get tipsy. Ok, I don't really care because it saves money when I don't need much to get tipsy right? So, this past weekend, we decided to go to Pocha32 in Ktown popular for their watermelon soju bowl. The bowl is a godamn watermelon! It wasn't as strong as we thought and so we were able to finish the entire bowl and walk home without falling.

Pocha32 swatermelon soju

+We also tried out the new H&M runway in Times Square. Yay! My first time on a Times Square jumbotron!

Dave trying out the H&M runway in Times Square

+Philipino food was ingested on Sunday! 

+ We also finally picked up our wedding reception video DVD! We didn't watch the whole thing. I like watching myself but Dave hates it so we have yet to sit down together and watch the whole thing. We got a couple of copies to share with our parents. Maybe they will enjoy it more. I want to extract the part where all our close friends got on the dance floor to do a backstreet boys routine we all learned together!

+We passed by an amazing yard sale across the street from our apartment. A theater was shutting down for the season and was selling all their props which included a lot of authentic antiques. Too bad our place is so small so we got what we could. We bought a marble egg (heehee), a small wooden drawer and three antique frames all for $7.

+ A longtime friend was visiting NY with her family and her 15 month year old daughter. We got to catch up a little. It's always good catching up with a friend especially when it is at the Union Square holiday market. A very popular holiday market worth checking out by the way but pricy (the rent is high!).

+And finally, on Monday, Dave and I took the day off so we can attend a taping of the Daily Show. It was soooo much fun! I'd love to go to the show every day if I could...only minus the waiting!

The Daily show! 

There are other exciting things that has happened but I'll leave that for future posts when everything becomes a little bit more official!

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xx

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In pictures: When the sun sets, the hipsters come out to play...Brooklyn Night Bazaar

Brooklyn Bazaar

Two bazaars in a day? Yup. That's what I did on Saturday where I attended the pop-up Daily Candy Bazaar during the day and the now-permanent Brooklyn Night Bazaar at night. I'm suppose to recover from a cold but curiosity of what goes around me always gets the best of me. Plus, we had Dave's parents' car this weekend so going to BK Bazaar was a breeze. Only a 5-minute drive from our place.

BK Bazaar is a little bit of Smorgasburg and a little bit of Brooklyn Flea and a little bit of 'je ne sais quoi'. Like a hipster underground amusement park or something. Some of the vendors were new to us and we liked that since we have been to so many types of flea markets, crafts fair, food fests etc. and think we have seen them all. There was also rooms dedicated for mini-golf ($5/ball) and ping pong playing area as well as an outdoor beer garden that serves beer and pizza. New vendors may pop up throughout the year so it might be worth it to check it out many times. This is Brooklyn's way of catering to the indie business-hungry community and supporting the local community. With Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea wrapping up for the winter, this will now be the place to hang out and grab a local draft beer.

We didn't get to see the bands play since we were there early and the "party" ends at midnight. For food, we had a Briskettown short rib sandwich and Sigmund's pretzels (whose warehouse is where BK Bazaar has settled) which were both excellent. We also had a bowl of cold noodles with spicy peanut sauce from Hong Kong street cart that was not so yummy (the sauce was good but why use pasta noodles?!). There was no wait when we got there just a little before 7 p.m. They carded and put a bracelet on anyone that wanted to drink so when we got out almost an hour later, there was a pretty long wait. I guess my advice is to go early, go hungry and bring some cash to find your perfect holiday gift for a special someone or yourself!

See more pictures after the jump

In pictures: Daily Candy Bazaar [Soho, NY]

Welcome to Daily Candy's first-ever bazaar featuring 30 handpicked designers, craftsmen, bakers, boutiques and designers. I passed by hoping to see a performance by the Wicked Cast but classic me, I got the days mixed up. Glad I dropped by anyway to see the happenings. 

More pictures after the jump...

Donate $5 to Free Arts NYC and pick a balloon with a surprise prize

Sugarfina shop where I picked up my candy cube prize

Lady M!

Party skirts

Soko Charms

Lulu Frost 

Charms and Chain

Basil Racuk bespoke bags

Fancy dog treats from Bocce's Bakery

Cute potted plants from The Sill 

Impressive home decor items by Jung Lee 

Tutu du Monde

Hey Gorgeous...selfie in the bathroom

Daily Candy Bazaar this weekend only! 

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